References

Brexit: Royal College of Nursing priorities.London: RCN; 2019

Let's share our concerns about the future

12 September 2019
Volume 28 · Issue 16

Some of us are old enough to remember our nation joining the European Economic Community, as it was then, in 1973 and the angst it caused for some. After all the anguish and turmoil, we eventually settled into a shared reality with a common approach to how trade and how our economy should be managed. We may yet be thrown into another whirlwind over the next few months when Brexit finally becomes a reality.

We can only surmise what impact this may have on the NHS as our ties with other countries either loosen or strengthen.

‘As well as concerns about Brexit and staff shortages, our workload increases year on year because of the ageing population and their complex problems’

There are many areas of concern for the NHS. Post-Brexit may see issues concerning medicines marketed in the UK, which at present are subject to the rules laid out by the European Medicines Agency. Medical devices, as well as drugs, may also be affected as they too are subject to EU law. We may therefore need to change UK legislation if we leave without a deal. Research trials may also be hampered, as well as access to new drugs. This is all food for thought.

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